GOV’T PLANS UGX9M PAY FOR RDCs, UGX5M FOR DEPUTIES

Government has proposed a massive salary enhancement for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs and Assistant RDCs in a move expected to cost taxpayers more than UGX29 billion annually.

The proposed pay rise was revealed by Alex Byarugaba, Chairperson of Parliament’s Presidential Affairs Committee, while presenting the committee’s report on the 2026/27 Ministerial Policy Statement for the Office of the President.

According to the proposal, RDC salaries would increase from the current UGX2,293,200 to UGX9 million per month. Deputy RDCs would see their pay rise from UGX1,282,369 to UGX5 million, while Assistant RDCs would earn UGX2,695,000, up from UGX877,216.

Byarugaba told Parliament that the salary review would require an additional UGX29.078 billion annually for wages alone.

He noted that the salaries of RDCs and their deputies have remained unchanged for nearly 20 years despite the increasing responsibilities attached to the offices.

Uganda currently has 146 RDCs, 170 Deputy RDCs and 432 Assistant RDCs deployed across the country.

The proposed increment comes amid growing calls for better facilitation of RDC offices, which are tasked with monitoring government programs, coordinating security matters and representing the President at district level.

However, the proposal is likely to spark public debate, especially at a time when the country continues to face pressure over public expenditure and demands for improved funding in sectors such as health, education and social services.

If approved, the new salary structure would mark one of the biggest pay rises for presidential representatives in recent years.